Transfer News: AS Roma have rejected Tanguy Ndombele as part of Nicolo Zaniolo swap deal
Tottenham Hotspur continue in their efforts to sign AS Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo. Spurs have been told that the attacking midfielder will cost them more than £45 million.
Now according to The Sunday Times (subscription required), Tottenham had offered Tanguy Ndombele as part of a swap deal for Zaniolo. Such an offer has been rejected by Roma coach Jose Mourinho.
The former Spurs coach had a difficult relationship with Ndombele during his time at the London club. He was not preferred by Mourinho during his time here and he does not him during his time at Roma too.
Ndombele has fallen down the pecking order at Spurs and was not part of Antonio Conte’s squad last season. He was sent out on loan to his former club Olympique Lyon for the second half of last season.
There too he could not perform up to the expected level and managed to make only 11 league appearances for Lyon. This season too hasn’t started well for him as Conte did not include him in the match squad for their opening fixture against Southampton.
With the arrival of Yves Bissouma, the 25-year-old Frenchman has fallen further down the pecking order. He is nowhere near Conte’s plan for this season and it will be better for him to seek new pastures.
As for Zaniolo, Spurs continue to be in contact for the player. The player was on about to move to Juventus last month but has now repaired his relationship with Mourinho who wants to keep him this season.
Roma and Tottenham have also discussed a loan move with an obligation to buy next summer. What happens regarding Zaniolo remains to be seen. He would make a fine addition to Conte’s squad.
More Tottenham News:
- Tottenham ‘confident’ about €45m transfer hijack; Paratici set to hold talks for priority target
- Tottenham outcast ‘highly rated’ by Serie A giants; potential summer transfer on the cards
- AS Roma ‘happy’ to sell Nicolo Zaniolo after transfer talks with Tottenham Hotspur
The Italy international would be a luxury signing, in all honesty. But his ability and versatility up front, coupled with the five-substitution rule activating from this season, can make him a very wise short and long-term acquisition.
